JP2002536900A - System for storing, restoring and splitting video films from optical discs - Google Patents

Abstract

A system for storing, restoring and distributing video-films, based on optical disks of very high definition, that makes use of DVD disks (Digital Versatile Disk) as a support for the storing of films, so that said films may be stored onto said disks in a compressed format according to the MPEG-2 standard, and where the algorithm allows to modify the compression factor according to the requested quality from a few Mbps to a considerable number of Mbps.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for storing, restoring and dividing video films from ultra-high density optical discs.

[0002] At present, all television and movie recordings use magnetic supports, such as tapes and cassettes in various formats. These supports have the property that the signal is degraded due to time and environment. Space for storage is often expensive.

[0003] The use of known storage systems for video films presents the following disadvantages. Manual management of storage support: The use of magnetic cassettes as support for film storage requires the management of huge records which is rather difficult. In fact, not only the search phase (i.e. the selection of pre-allocated important space),
It is difficult or rather expensive to use a robotized system during the registration phase (ie, assigning locations where cassettes are to be stored). Request for copying of content in case of simultaneous use by a large number of users: The film recorded on the cassette cannot be used at the same time and does not correspond to more than one person. Therefore,
It is necessary to copy the cassette each time the same use is required by many. Magnetic tape is a recording support that wears out with use and aging, which means that the recorded signal is subject to unavoidable degradation over time in reading and making copies. This problem is partially mitigated by the introduction of digital recording technology, but far from a solution. It is not possible to check the contents before use. Checking of the actual contents of the cassette, and therefore of checking the requested contents, is performed only by the video recorder. Therefore, the cassette must be found in the recording, mounted on a video recorder, and checked for content. With very rough indices and very large records, searching for the requested cassette is a long-running task. Signals are not distributed over geographic data nets. The recording formats to tape used so far do not allow easy distribution over geographic data nets, since very high batches are required or compression must be performed before transmission. This problem requires that the recording of the video film be located close to where the recorded film is used. Space is required and multiple formats are needed for support for recording: the dimensions of the magnetic cassette require a huge room for storage. In addition, the evolution of recording support generally yields differently shaped video recordings that are not heterogeneous in configuration, and therefore require a reader for all formats. Cost of recording support: time and time Deterioration due to tape fatigue requires the use of very high quality materials to achieve professional video cassettes, which means very expensive cassettes.

[0004] It is an object of the system according to the invention to provide a means for recording films and a means for using the recorded material as automated as possible, whereby search, loading, use and video An object of the present invention is to simplify a film recording operation.

The suggested system uses DVD discs (Digital Versatile Disks) as support for film recording, and these discs are the latest standard for recording digital information on optical supports. , Normal audio CD (12
cm), and the film is recorded on the disc in a compression format according to the MPEG2 standard, which is a digital video encoding and compression standard that is globally approved, and the algorithm is: Depending on the required quality, the compression factor can be changed from a few Mbps to a considerable amount of Mbps. The different recording techniques used enable the problems posed by known recording systems to be solved.

The system according to the invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings, which show the same embodiment. FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of the basic architecture of the system according to the invention. FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 show block diagrams for respective examples of DVD recording, digital output modules and corresponding analog modules.

[0007] The accompanying drawings show a system for recording and editing video films on ultra-high density optical discs, where the video recording is handled automatically, with numerous DVDs.
Including the disc, while for all diagnostics and precision, the video film is loaded into a powerful computer with the function of a video server, so placing the film as a hard disk on Quick Support is easy from DVD. Not only can a diagnosis be obtained, but some additional functions are opened, such that the same film is used individually by many people at the same time.

According to the invention, the diagnosis of the record is made by means of a remote console located at each point of use of the video signal, for example in an editing room, allowing a possible preview of the searched and searched material. Done.

The same console allows general operation for loading and transmitting the requested film through a virtual interface similar to the switchboard of a video recorder.

The entire system is implemented by means of special software that communicates and coordinates the software checks of a single device.

The elements including the hardware shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 1 include the following elements.

DVD Record 1: Based on a jukebox that implements the storage and operation of DVD functions, saves the following time and money, and saves all previously manual operations on cassettes and tapes: A robot capable of electronically executing and mechanically handling a theoretically endless number of discs in order to eliminate operation and a jukebox check system that transfers selected film contents to a video server hard disk. Includes a chemical system. Video server 2: The film recorded on the DVD is not directly used for the production of the requested video signal, but is transferred to this video server. The point of use of the signal is given the video coupled to the video server, the signal is compared with a huge buffer based on UltraQuick SCSI disks and executed by a prepared microprocessor, which allows the video film to be read from the DVD recording. And sends it to the output module. Output module 3: Integrates uncompressed analog / digital and standard DVD multiplex MPEG-2 output cards. Card for uncompressed analog / digital output: Converts the data stream from a DVD reader to a standard television signal of the PAL or NTSC type, based on the characteristics of the recorded video. The output of the card may be internally locked to be synchronized to other video signal sources and fed to the composite, additionally to components and uncompressed digital. MPEG-2 output card: does not convert the MPEG-2 data stream from the reader, but converts a large number of data streams consisting of one film (transfer stream of one program) into a single output stream containing all the films. (Multiple program transfer streams). The layout and the method of combining the streams are performed by the control system according to the user's requirements, and the output stream is provided to the LVDS or ASI interface when provided by the DVD standard. Console 7: for running the system provided at the point of use of the signal, from which the editing console can perform a search in the record and check the loading and payment of the requested film. On the other hand, the management of digital video sources happens in a manner similar to that of professional video recorders. Ingress module 6: for recording new audio / video content, consisting of a system for compressing video signals to MPEG-2 and another mastered DVD support, whereby the DVD is once recorded It is then inserted into the jukebox, prepared for use, and at the same time done with its content and keywords so that it can be easily searched for in a search operation. Register 4: All films are inserted and identified here, based on content, author, data and keywords, to enable quick selection in search operations, by PC with server, outline and registration hardware It may be implemented and remotely requested by a console located where the video signal is used for content retrieval and by an entry module for insertion of a new title. Control system 5: manages and synchronizes the functions of all components of the system, operates the entire system locally via a graphic interface or by sending remote commands to a serial or net interface. Having a single external control interface, the system is in interface with a record to record the contents of the system's DVD to perform control and modification functions, and the system is loaded with a DVD. Or automatically uploaded each time it is removed from the system. Software management: all blocks of the system have electronic and software for remote control, have a data network for linking blocks of different systems, and the entire DVD recording is computerized and automated It is a unique feature of the present invention that it runs in a manner so that it is possible to enter the full functionality of the system from each usage console. Jukebox software: This has the purpose of performing robot management and control operations. Recording by disk sets the jukebox control software to be able to communicate with the database for management, and is executed in a clear state by means of a logic interface to search for the title, and as a result, according to the function, The user can automatically and intuitively inspect the entire DVD record. The most important of these functions are:

[0013] * Search * Based on included words * Character * Geography * Disc survey * Preview * Display all contents * Split video * Record update * Load new disc * Unload * Select disc to be excluded

There are also several functions for controlling and executing the robot. * Number of available disks * Usage time * Overall statistics * User statistics

The user console 7 enables the control and management of all subsystems by means of data coupling over the ATM net and enables the use of video signals at the output from the system via the video net 8.

A connection is provided to the robot from the console for searching for disks and checking for loading operations. Possible operations include the following. * Loading * Unloading * List * Search

The connection to the video server checks the information of the film unloaded on the hard disk. The actions available are the same as those performed by a professional video recorder. * Play * stop * pause * fast forward / return * slow motion * track / * title selection * skip / skip to original * repeat (track / title / all) * AB repeat * shuffle * program

The components of the blocks of the system according to the invention are described below. The robotized record has an external interface, and all the following management and monitoring functions are performed by the control system. * General overview and calibration * System state advice * Load DVD to robotized record * Delete DVD from robotized record * List of current DVD * Current DVD state * Reader Position of DVD X in Y * Current number of disks * Number of hours used * All statistics

According to the scheme of the functional blocks of the jukebox, the connecting lines of the main module are shown in FIG. 2, using containers prepared for the purpose for loading and unloading new discs from the record, This container has the ability to load up to 100 disks. In order to delete some disks from the record, it is sufficient to introduce an exclusion criterion through software and the operation is performed automatically.

The robot 16 for handling DVD discs is a pioneering mechanism in the field of robots, wherein the sliding of the horizontal axis is guided by a track which allows rapid movement, while the mechanism arm has four pieces. Can handle DVD discs at the same time, and
They can be moved from the DVD storage 12 to the reader 13 and the total time varies from 2 to 7 seconds.

The control unit 15 of the robot is composed of a standard type of microprocessor system and has the following functions. * Parameter setting based on module outline * Robot position calibration * Visualization of functioning state * External control management

The DVD reader 13 has no external interface, and all management and monitoring functions are performed by the control system. The functions of the DVD reader are as follows. * Play * Stop * Pause * Fast forward / Return * Slow motion * Repeat * Load drawer open * Load drawer close * Advise about system status

The output signal from the recording is sent to the video server through the ATM standard of the network interface 14.

The video server 2 is a system that makes available the films contained in the jukebox for standard video processing and for sharing. The main features of the system according to the invention are performance and reliability, which are obtained by means of a careful selection of the recording unit. Input to the controlled unit, which has the function of managing the loading and unloading of the hard disk and the end of playing of the film, occurs through a high-speed SCSI channel. The video server control system enables control of the video server by means of a graphic interface directly from the consoles in the two editing rooms.

The recording unit consists of a high-speed hard disk system and temporary support for running the MPEG data stream, and has the following important points. * Dimensions to include video information for several hours to satisfy the requestor. * Need to support optimal performance data rates at speeds for real-time processing. * Modules that can be easily extended in case of a critical extension record request.

The output module 3 includes analog / digital types as shown in FIG.
Multiplex based MPEG-2 DVD standard type suitable for uncompressed output card. The functions performed by the two different types of cards are:
Uncompressed analog and digital output cards. * Conversion of stream from reader X to composite output * Conversion of stream from reader X to component output * Conversion of stream from reader X to digital output * Advise on system state On the other hand, MPEG-2 The features of the output card are as follows. * Input stream selection * Input stream parameter determination * Output interface selection * System state advice

The uncompressed analog and digital output cards convert the stream coming from the video server 22 into a standard television signal 27, which is a standard television signal 27 according to the characteristics of the recorded video.
Convert to AL or NTSC species. The signal at the entrance is a high-speed signal control unit 17
Is executed and transmitted to the rectifier / separator 18 of the transmission signal. The rectifier / separator 18 of the transmission signal is transmitted to the MPEG-2 of the decoder 25 according to the command transmitted by the control system of the output module 20. The decoded signal is set on an analog output card 26. The output of the card may be synchronized with the video signal of another source (which can be internally synchronized) and is generally provided in composite, and additionally in component and uncompressed digital.

The output signal is sent to an analog conversion matrix, if present,
Alternatively, it is sent directly to the device in the editing room.

The digital output card does not convert the MPEG-2 stream coming from the reader, but converts the multiple streams 22 containing one single film (single program transfer stream) into a single output containing all the films. Stream 23 (a plurality of program transfer streams). Combining the streams is realized by means of a data signal appending unit 19 having the task of checking the data stream at a constant rate and means of a compounding unit 21, which combines the digital streams physically. In this case, the parameters of the output stream are calculated based on the outline determined by the central control system, and sent to the control system of the output module through the control interface 24.

The outline of the cards and the possible combinations of the streams are managed by the control system 20 at the request of the user. The output stream 23 is provided to LVDS or ASI provided by the DVD standard.

A central control system 5 with a single external control interface operates and synchronizes the functions of all components of the system. As a result, the system must be able to send all commands related to the available functions to multiple systems, and translate foreign commands into commands understandable to different systems. The command from the outside is, for example, "transmit film X to output Y by broadcasting", and this command is switched to the following command in the following order. * Search for film X * Open the door of reader Z * Load the relevant DVD to reader Z * Close the door of reader Z * Transfer film K from reader Z to output y of the video server * Film K Play from video server to output y

The control system must be able to manage and handle error conditions due to bad functions or bad commands for the above combining operation. The main functions of the control system are as follows. * Search titles * Update record contents * Overview of different systems * Control and advise on different system states * Control and advise on own states * Interpret commands from local interface * Remote local interface Interpretation of command by serial means from interface * Interpretation of command by means of LAN line from remote local interface * Execution of local interface, connection and interface program

The coupling between the modules of the system is divided into two basic parts: * Data binding to execute the control stream 11 and to monitor the devices and to transfer the MPEG films 9 and 10 to a video server implemented in LAN ATM technology. * Video coupling 8 for transferring audio and video signals from the video server to the editing room realized with coaxial cables.

Concerning the advantages, the system according to the invention solves the problems arising from storage systems based on magnetic tape and furthermore enables:

Managing Automation of Recording Support: DVD as Support for Stored Film
This reduces the huge space requirement occupied by the storage support, and since the entire search and load operation of the support is performed in a simple manner and performed by a robotized system. Simplifies the management of large numbers of records. Video signal quality: DVD discs and optical storage technology require time and fatigue because the raw port of the optical storage does not degrade over time and is not damaged during use because there is no mechanical contact during reading. The degradation of signal quality caused by the above is eliminated. Reduced space required and uniformity of recording format: The dimensions of the DVD make it possible to reduce the space required for recording. In addition, the use of MPEG-2 as an international standard for film recording in digital format,
Achieving the same kind of recording in terms of quality level and recording format. Inexpensive storage of support: The use of DVDs to store all types of data, not just video, can be used as universal and inexpensive data support. Simultaneous use of content between multiple users: When video content on a DVD is transferred to a video server, it is completely independent and free of simultaneous use to multiple users without any need for copying. . Preview possible: Checking the actual contents of the DVD is done in a simple way without transferring the contents to the video server. Thus, the contents of the DVD can be previewed for up to 7 seconds after selection without moving the system console. The recording of the text of the correct mechanism further allows the selection of the desired material. Distribution of signals over a geographic data net: The storage format used for DVDs is
It facilitates the distribution of signals over geographic data nets and eliminates the need to place records close to where the film used is stored. Remote record and user expansion: As an interface to the content record, remote surveys are possible with Internet-type connections. This allows for remote control of the workstation and audio / video of the recording that was not realized with magnetic tape recording, for example when selling images and / or clips.
Opening new possibilities for out-of-the-box work on video content. Analog and / or digital output: The system according to the invention can be used not only for standard analog or uncompressed digital outputs, but also for digital televisions, for single or multiple program transfer streams according to the DVB standard, depending on the environment of use. It may be provided in a compressed digital MPEG-2 format. The latter output eliminates the requirement of MPEG-2 encoding in real time, allowing for further savings.

Modular and extensible architecture: The architecture of the system according to the invention is highly modular and at times adapts to the needs of the buying counter user. The selection of recording capabilities, the number of readers, the number and totals of output cards, such parameters are changed based on new requirements. Reliability and reset. The reliability features of one component and the modular architecture make the system according to the invention particularly reliable and can be repaired very quickly. Safety: All administrative operations on the records are password protected, so that only designated and administratively authorized personnel enter the system. For general users who are only allowed to examine and use records, for administrators who can add, delete or modify the contents of records, and for system administrators who perform all maintenance and management tasks on the system. , It is possible to give different entry levels. Low maintenance costs: the system according to the invention does not require constant or complicated management. Special training is provided to personnel for routine operation.
The system has been simplified as much as possible for daily use as well as programmed management and maintenance operations.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the basic architecture of a system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for an example of DVD recording.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram for an example of a digital output module.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram for an example of a corresponding analog module.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 DVD recording 2 Video server 3,20 Output module 4 Register 5 Control system 6 Entrance module 7 Console 12 DVD storage 13 Reader 15 Control unit 14 Net interface 16 Robot 17 Control unit 18 Rectification / separator 19 Additional unit 21 Composite unit 24 control interface 25 decoder 26 output card

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 5/76 H04N 5/91 L 5/781 5/781 510C 5/85 5/92 H 5/92 G11B 27/02 CF term (reference) 5C052 AA02 AB04 AC08 CC11 DD04 DD07 EE02 5C053 FA15 FA24 GB38 JA30 LA11 LA15 5D044 AB05 AB07 BC06 CC04 CC09 DE23 EF05 FG18 GK08 GK12 5D077 AA30 AA38 BA18 BB05 CA23 A17A12A13A13A27 AA29 BB28 DA02 DA04 DA08 DA11 DA17 DB03 DD11 DE01

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A system for storing and restoring a video film based on an ultra-high-density optical disk, a DVD recording (1) based on a jukebox realizing storage and operation of DVD functions, comprising a cassette and In order to eliminate all traditional manual operations on tapes and the jukebox check system that transfers selected film contents to the video server hard disk, a theoretically endless number of disks can be electronically A DVD recording (1) including a robotized system that can be executed mechanically and can be handled mechanically; and a video server (2). The film recorded on the DVD is used for producing a required video signal. Not used directly, but transferred to this video server, and the point of use of the signal is given the video associated with the video server. The signal is compared to a huge buffer based on UltraQuick SCSI disks and executed by a prepared microprocessor, thereby receiving a video film from a DVD recording and sending it to an output module with a video server (2). Uncompressed analog / digital and standard DVD multiplex MPEG-
An output module (3) for integrating two types of output cards, and a card for uncompressed analog / digital output, wherein the data stream from the DVD reader is converted to PAL or NTS based on the characteristics of the recorded video.
Converting to a standard C television signal, the output of the card may be synchronized to another (internally lockable) source of video signal, and to composite, additionally, component and uncompressed digital The supplied card and the MPEG-2 data stream from the reader are not converted, but a large number of data streams (one program transfer stream) composed of one film are transferred.
A single output stream containing all films (multiple program transfer streams)
MPEG-2 output card, the layout and the method of combining the streams are performed by the control system according to the user's requirements, and the output stream is supplied to the LVDS or ASI interface when provided by the DVD standard. MPEG-2 output card and console for executing the system provided at the point of use of the signal
(7) From the editing console, from which you can perform a search in the recording and check the loading and payment of the requested film, while managing the digital video source is a professional video recorder's A console (7) that simulates the operation and an entry module (6) for recording new audio / video content, for compressing video signals to MPEG-2 and another mastered DVD support Whereby once a DVD has been recorded, it is inserted into a jukebox and prepared for use, while at the same time an entry made by its content and keywords so that it can be easily searched for in a search operation. Module (6)
And register (4), to enable quick selection in the search operation, the contents,
Based on the author, data and keywords, the entire film is inserted and identified here, implemented by a PC with server, outline and registration hardware, and placed where video signals are used for content retrieval. A register (4), which may be requested remotely by the console, and by the entry module for the insertion of a new title, and a control system (5), which manages and synchronizes the functions of all components of the system; With a single external control interface to operate the entire system locally, either through a graphic interface or by sending remote commands to a serial or net interface, the system provides control and modification functions. Record the contents of the system's DVD to run Interface with the recording system, the system has a control system (5) that is automatically uploaded each time a DVD is loaded or removed from the system, and software management. The blocks have electronic and software for remote control, have a data network for linking blocks of different systems, and the entire DVD recording is performed in a computerized and automated manner, Jukebox software with the purpose of performing software management that allows access to all functions of the system from the console of each use, and managing and controlling robots. Set up the jukebox control software to allow communication and search for the title. By means of a logic interface for, is performed in clear state, as a result,
A system with jukebox software that allows the user to automatically and intuitively inspect the entire DVD record according to the features provided. 2. A system for storing and restoring a video film based on an ultra-high-density optical disk according to claim 1, wherein said user console (7) is provided with data by means of an ATM net (11). It allows full control and management of the different systems through the connection, and also allows the use of video signals at the output from the system through the video net (8). 3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the robot (16) for handling a DVD disk sliding on a horizontal axis is guided by a track allowing rapid movement, while the mechanism arm is simultaneously operated. Handle 4 DVD discs,
They are transported from the DVD collection (12) to the reader (13) and the entry time varies from 2 to 7 seconds. 4. The system according to claim 1, wherein said video server to which output signals from the recording are transmitted via a standard ATM net interface (14).
2) consists of a system that makes the film contained in the jukebox available for processing and sharing in standard video formats, while its control system is directly from the consoles of the two editing rooms Is executed by means of a graphic interface. 5. A system according to claim 1, wherein said output module (3).
Integrates cards and outputs for analog / uncompressed digital output with standard multiplex MPEG-2 DVD variants. 6. A card for analog and uncompressed digital output according to claim 1, wherein the flow from the video server (22) is based on the characteristics of the stored video and the standard television signal (27). It converts to a PAL or NTSC type, while the input signal is executed by the control unit of the high-speed signal (17) and is addressed to a rectifier / separator (18) of the data signal, which rectifier / separator (18) Are sent to an MPEG-2 decoder (25) based on commands sent by the control system of the output module (20), and the decoded signal is then sent to an analog output card (26). 7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the digital output card comprises:
Do not change the MPEG-2 stream from the reader, but convert many of the data streams consisting of one film (one program transfer stream) to a single output stream (multiple program transfer streams) containing all the films. Convert and where
The coupling of the streams is realized by means of a data signal application unit (19), which has the task of making the data stream constant, and the combining unit (21) is based on the overview set in the central control system. By calculating the parameters of the output stream, the digital stream is substantially combined and sent through the control interface (24) to the control system of the output module. 8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the outline of the card and the possible combination of the flows are performed by the control system (20) at the request of the user, while the output flow (23) is a DVB standard. To the LVDS or ASI interface according to 9. The system according to claim 1, wherein a central control system (5) manages and synchronizes the functionalization of all components of the system with a single-signal external control interface. 10. The system according to claim 1, wherein the connections between the modules of the system are for executing a stream of control (11) and for monitoring devices.
And data transfer for transferring MPEG films (9) and (10) to a video server realized by LAN ATM technology, and transfer of audio and video signals from the video server to an editing room realized by a coaxial cable. , And is divided into two basic parts: